By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Friday said that the ongoing Mendipathar-Dudhnoi railway project, which is expected to be commissioned soon, will go a long way in tackling price rise in the State.
While batting for railways in the State, the Chief Minister said people in Garo Hills can avail essential commodities at cheaper cost as transportation charges would come down after the inauguration of the railway line.
“Mendipathar will become a commercial hub and it will overtake other places in the State,” he said.
The Chief Minister also spoke on the need to overcome the sense of insecurity based on perception even as he questioned the myth that railways would encourage influx in the State.
He made it clear that the Government, being concerned about influx, has taken several steps to address the issue including constitution of the district level task force and others.
On the Umroi Airport which has been non functional since January, the Chief Minister said that the Government will take some time to verify the genuineness of the cost of the land acquired by the Government for the airport’s expansion.
“The expansion of Umroi Airport is an important priority of the Government,” the Chief Minister reiterated.
He stated that there were a number of constraints to making the airport operational again since the Airport Authority of India was asking for a high maintenance cost. He, however, pointed out that land acquisition for the airport expansion project is underway and money has been released to the concerned Deputy Commissioner.
